Life on the road has been a lifestyle and goal of many travelers for
decades. Whether it was Jack Kerouac who first inspired freedom-seekers in the 1970s, or the VW Westfalia, young people to this day still seek the solace
that’s found on the road.
Current trends like vanlife and overlanding have never been
about the vehicles, but about the lifestyle: free from a desk job and a rent or
mortgage; able to explore the country as opposed to stay in the same place.
There’s a reason why the #vanlife hashtag has taken off in recent years.
But how do you actually get an adventure mobile you can
live in?
Purchasing the Vehicle
Before you build out your van or overlander, you need the
whip first. It’s easy to get carried away with the idea of driving a bright
yellow VW Westfalia but you need to be sure you are actually getting what you
need and not just what you want in your home on wheels. Do your research. Sprinter vans have become
popular because they are reliable, however, repairs can run expensive. If you’re buying a vehicle on Craigslist, be sure to get it inspected.
What’s the Use?
Will you mostly take your van to the beach or off-road? Knowing roughly how you’ll be using your van, and the area you’ll
call home, is important for things like tire selection. Be sure to do your
homework on what you might need for your vehicle depending on your lifestyle.
Lay It All Out Over
and Over
How you use your van is the most important question to
answer before you hammer anything into place. Will your van strictly be used as
a home that you drive, or will you sometimes need it to
haul ski equipment? If it’s the latter, you will need to have
furniture that is moveable and adjustable. Be sure to lay out the inside of
your vehicle multiple times–test to see how you will use the space, and what
storage you will need.
Durability vs.
Decoration
When you begin to build out your van, trailer, or
overlander, it’s important to remember that materials matter. Though linoleum
faux wood flooring might look fashionable, it is sure to peel and get scratched
up after intense use. Once your vehicle is laid out and nailed in, it
becomes harder to replace these materials.
Spending Doesn’t Stop
at the Title
Though the vehicle might be a large upfront cost, you will
have a ways to go before you are done spending money. When budgeting, keep in
mind whether or not you want to invest in solar power, since it allows you to
not worry about electrical hookups when camping. Also, don’t forget to budget
for the buildout, which depending on what you do, can cost a lot—try to use
secondhand materials to cut down on costs.
The Buildout Takes Time
Like many things, we underestimate the time it takes to get
something done, and van buildouts are no different. Try to start with the most
critical buildout, for example, a bed if you plan to live in your van. The
other things will be built gradually as you embark on your journey from city
life to vanlife.
